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Warrior Airmen compete

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn R.C. Reaves
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Medical Group hosted a quarterly Warrior Day for 20th Fighter Wing Airmen, Sept. 29.

During the event, teams from across the wing tested their teamwork, physical endurance and self-aid buddy care knowledge.

They competed in an ambulance pull, contagion tag, trivia, and a commander’s challenge in which they provided care for and evacuated simulated patients.

“It gave a chance for the groups on the base to get together, promote some camaraderie, work together (and) have some fun,” said Staff Sgt. Marcos Davis, 20th Medical Operation Squadron physical therapy assistant and Warrior Day alternate point of contact. “We all work very hard, so it’s nice to be able to have that chance to relax.”

The competitors also had their focus tested as they were surrounded by the sounds of simulated cannon and gun fire, and were yelled at by medical Airmen acting as patient family members pressuring them to save lives.

“We kind of struggled at the beginning,” said Airman 1st Class Jonathan Himpsl, 20th Security Force Squadron entry controller, about competing in the events. “There are different things that you’re not really used to that other squadrons are. You have a little bit of time to put on a tourniquet, to stop bleeding, all (things) a warrior could be injured by. There’s a minimal amount of time that you (have) to get this stuff done by or else we lose a life, so I give (medical Airmen) respect for what they do.”

Although the event encouraged friendly competition, 20th FW Airmen left with an enhanced understanding of the mental pressure and physical rigors medical Airmen may face in deployed environments in order to save lives and get service members home to family and friends.